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Sunday, January 2, 2011

Knitpicks IDP!

I've got my first IDP pattern all published and live! In celebration, I've decided to do a CONTEST! For the winning, to the grand prize winner, the two skeins of Knitpicks Stroll in Granny Smith pictured at right and a copy of my Galaxy Socks pattern. For two runners up, a copy of the pattern. There are three ways to enter:

Comment on this post, telling me what you most look for in an indie pattern. There are a majillion free patterns out there. What makes you want to buy one?

Tweet about this contest or follow me on Twitter (@marudesigns). Come back here and comment to this post telling me you've done so.

Like me on Facebook, or if you already like me, write something on my wall. Come back here and comment to this post telling me you've done so.

So, up to three entries per person! The winners will be chosen by random number generator on January 15. Winners will then have one week to contact me. If I don't hear back, I'll pick somebody else.

Fine print: anybody is welcome to enter, but I can only afford to ship to North American addresses. Thanks for understanding!

Congrats on your first published pattern!!To me, it doesn't really matter whether a pattern is free or for purchase- I like when it has a unique touch, but often the simple ones have quite an appeal as well!

I have to admit, I'm a sucker for good photos. I'm mostly attracted to patterns because the pictures show a good fit or a great combination of stitch pattern and yarn. Sometimes I fall for silly things like vivid colors, good lighting or an original composition.Basically, if the photo helps me imagine how cool my finished project could look, I'd seriously think about knitting the pattern.

What I like in a pattern:* Clear but concise instructions. I cringe a little bit when I print a pattern for a simple garment and the pattern is eight pages long. :) * Clear photos of the garment (in use, if possible - i.e. a sock on a foot instead of laying on the floor)* I like knitting from charts, but it's nice when a pattern has written instructions as well as a chart.

It's usually a good photo that pulls me into a pattern and a design! And if I'm buying a pdf? I like a pattern that is clearly written, with charts and text instructions, and good sharp photographs. And a font that is simple and large enough to read easily.This probably sounds pretty basic and obvious, but it certainly isn't always the case!

Congratulations on your first published pattern!! When looking at an indy design, I look for an innovative pattern - one that's distinctive, that I haven't seen anything like before and then one that fits the yarn I'm using or project I have in mind. (I know - very subjective.. but I love looking at new patters to get inspired as well!!)

I like to be able to download the PDF (and I love it if I can store it in Ravelry) and I agree with Quinn - clear pictures that show multiple angles/views lets me know I'm getting what I think I'm getting! :)

Congrats!!!!!!! The picture can be the first thing to catch my attention. The next thing is how it might fit into what I'm planning to do for a next project of course sometimes there are projects which yell at you to do them regardless of what great plans one has.

I love photos of the finished object, bonus if I find one in the yarn I want to make the object in. I like easy to print patterns, no tons and tons of photos in the pattern itself. i'm a sucker for geeky sock patterns,too :)

I liked you on fb. :-) Also, is like to comment on the question. When I am deciding whether or not I want to be a pattern, uniqueness is the first thing I look for. With all the free patterns out there, there has to be something that stands out about this one enough for me to pay for it. And then I look for ease of construction, or at least clarifying the instructions.ongrats on being published!

I agree with the people who say the photos are what gets them to buy. A really good series of close ups, and a few pics of the item being worn (from all sides if possible), makes me think the pattern writer really took care and pride in the project.

I have to say I like a pattern that has clear directions, repeatability, and timelessness.If I won't knit it more than once it isn't bought.If it isn't going to be something I will wear next year too I will refuse too.

I have to agree with what Amanda said. Pictures are key... several good ones is really great. Also clear concise directions are important. And while I like short pattern directions, I also enjoy a little bit of insight into what inspired the pattern.

I think a lot of good pattern writing style can be derived from well done cookbooks.

The only reason I would buy a pattern, is if it's so cute/awesome/beautiful/etc. etc. and I don't think I could figure out something similar. So good or fun photos help, a really good write up and the perfect yarn for the project.Thanks for the chance to win your pattern,KJo on Ravelry

I would have to say what makes me like an indie pattern,is if it is unique,something I've never seen before,or is something I've been looking for. I appreciater the people who put out these indie patterns. Oh,and I'm sorry if this comment shows up twice. I couldn't figure out how to put it up.

Thanks for the chance to win, and congrats on your pattern being published! In indie patterns, the picture is so important. But it also has to be well written and ultimately what gets me is something being really different and unique, with cute details that you don't see often...something really thoughtful, whether it's a design element or the construction. meditativerose on Ravelry

What makes one IDP stand out more than any other is its backstory. I want to hear about the frosty day when the tile floor was chilly, the falling of leaves outside, and how it all came together to inspire this fabulously cosy sock pattern. -- FreckledPast [Ravelry]

I buy a pattern over a free one when: the picture shows something unique - patterns within the knitting, a new take on the item, anything that makes it above and beyond - even if it is only a little bit.

I am pretty picky when it comes to choosing a pattern I want to knit and usually spend a lot of time researching different patterns. In the end, the pattern I choose is the one I like over all the patterns that I have seen, it doesn't really matter whether its free or not.

Good photos, easy to read and understand instructions, bonus points for larger sizes! I also like patterns that have a larger font size, it makes it so much easier to read if you have it on a table next to you!

For a pay pattern it needs to have that little something special that makes it stand out from the free ones. Sometimes just the way the pattern itself and the photos look will do it. also price is a very big deal breaker for me right now because money is extremely tight for us! I would pay up to $5 but I'm leery of paying more without being able to see a copy of the written pattern first to make sure i would be able to knit it without issues (especially being a newer knitter)

What I'm looking for in a pattern is clear instruction and I prefer both text and chart where relevant (since sometimes a picture is worth a thousand words, but sometimes its not). And that its well written and been 'debugged' - and if mistakes are found, that the errata is easily available - no one is perfect but when paying, it should come close. I like it bet when the pattern is updated for new buyers rather than making them go collect errata information from all over and those who purchased notified, if possible).

And of course I look for something attractive that catches my eye - which for me means seeing the sample projects up on ravelry where I can also read reviews, etc.

Congratulations! The socks are gorgeous, and that's exactly what I look for in patterns: clearly photographed, beautiful socks (I'm a sock fiend). I won't buy easy sock patterns, but anything with cleverly done cables or lace I have to have. I also think that showcasing a bold yarn color is a good idea, but one that works with the design, not against it.Anyway, once again, well done!

I have to really like a design to pay for a pattern. It has to give me something that the free patterns don't offer...unique/different construction, something that I don't see every day. Nice photos always help...I'm a sucker for presentation.

Congratulations on your first pattern with KP.For me, firstly, the look of the FO object should appeal. Second, is the recommended yarn easily available? Third, how long it will take to finish the project?These questions are key to my getting a pattern.

I have to really want something to buy a pattern. Usually it only happens if I'm looking for something very specific and I can only find it for a small price. So it really depends on what I'm looking for.

Congratulations on your published pattern! What do I like in a pattern? Usually simplicity - I'm not into the all-over stuff that seems to be quite popular now. Also, many times I see a pattern and instantly think of someone it is perfect for and have to have it. :-)

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I started designing patterns because I couldn't find a pattern for the sweater I wanted! Or the hat I wanted! Also, the world has a severe shortage of crochet cable patterns. I'm going to try and fix that.